Lift Truck Training
Many industries make use of powered industrial trucks for material handling. In the recycling industry, internal combustion powered forklifts are normally used. Lift truck operation requires well trained operators. Training is a requirement within North America, and for a really good reason. A forklift can inflict personal injury or serious damage to property if not safely operated. A loaded forklift can weight three times as much as a motor vehicle. Lift trucks are accountable for a huge percentage of industrial accidents, either as the primary or the secondary source of the accident. Reports of injuries or fatalities involving both operators or pedestrians are all very commonplace.
Training Requirement
A training program for operators should be developed and implemented by employers. Moreover, the program must be based on four factors: the kinds of vehicles being utilized within the workplace, the general principles of safe truck operation, the particular hazards of the workplace and the general safety requirements, based on OSHA. Training combines both formal and practical components. At the completion of the training, operators should pass an assessment showing they have the ability to operate the truck properly. OSHA also requires that powered industrial truck operators must be trained in certain specified topics which apply to safely operating a lift truck.